SECRETARY OF STATE POWELL AND RICHARD ARMITAGE FILE PHOTO, 2003-03-24 (photo)

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and his deputy Richard Armitage have indicated that they do not intend to serve a second term at the State Department even if President George W. Bush is re-elected, The Washington Post reported on August 4, 2003. Citing sources familiar with the conversation, the newspaper reported that Armitage recently told national security adviser Condoleezza Rice that he and Powell would leave on Jan. 21, 2005, the day after the next presidential inauguration. According to the newspaper, Powell has indicated to associates that he would be leaving for personal reasons rather than any differences over the administration's foreign policy. Powell (R) walks out of the White House with Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage in this March 24, 2003 file photo. REUTERS/Larry Downing/files ME